Dubai ‘AI Retreat’ is set to host AI experts from the government and private sector on June 11 at the Museum of the Future, marking the first event under the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI).
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the event is organized by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence.
The AI Retreat will gather over 1,000 AI experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities presented by AI locally and globally. The event aims to contribute to foundational strategies for AI adoption across all sectors.
Key Sessions and Themes
The event will feature key sessions, panel discussions, specialized workshops, and high-profile roundtable discussions focused on four key themes: Funding & Financial, Infrastructure, Data Enablement, and Talent Development.
The gathering seeks to cement Dubai’s position as a global AI hub and build a better future for humanity. It will facilitate open communication between leadership and the public and private sectors, allowing them to share goals, creative ideas, innovative projects, best practices, and success stories to inspire progress in AI.
Leadership and Vision
Omar Sultan AlOlama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Deputy Managing Director of DFF, emphasized the importance of identifying AI opportunities early and accelerating the development of solutions for a better future for economies and societies. He noted that the UAE was among the first countries to adopt national AI initiatives.
He added, “Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has developed a comprehensive, flexible plan to accelerate AI adoption, establishing Dubai as a global AI hub.”
AlOlama highlighted the AI Retreat as a platform to position Dubai as a global destination for AI innovations that drive development, support the digital economy, and enhance the nation’s readiness for the future. He also noted the UAE’s leadership in facilitating international partnerships to unlock AI’s potential.
DUB.AI Initiative
In April, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched DUB.AI, focusing on leveraging technology to enhance the quality of life. The plan emphasizes AI governance and its deployment in vital sectors to improve society and the economy. DUB.AI aims to create an optimal ecosystem for AI companies and global talent by providing a business-friendly environment.
The initiative aims to accelerate AI application adoption, supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by contributing AED 100 billion ($27.23 billion) annually to Dubai’s economy, boosting the digital economy, and increasing productivity by 50%.
